Our goddaughter Stella is fifteen today. We can’t figure out where all the time has gone.
Here’s one of my favorite Stella stories:
I accompanied her to pre-school one day. This particular school had what they called Circle Time. All the kids sat around in a big circle first thing in the morning and the headmaster welcomed them to school and made a few announcements and then a guitar-playing music teacher led them in a few songs. It ended with the headmaster asking the students to introduce any visitors.
Stella was sitting on my lap and when her turn came around she wasn’t quite sure how to introduce me because, quite honestly, I don’t think she really understood exactly what our relationship was.
“This is Jim,” the gorgeous little girl said. “He’s my grandfa … he’s he’s my godfa … he’s my unc … (long pause) … he’s my friend.”
Indeed, Stella, I am all of those things.
She has grown into an absolutely amazing young woman. She’s beautiful and brilliant (although her father always reminds me to say brilliant and beautiful). She’s a chef. A remarkable jazz pianist. A former food blogger. A current fashion blogger. A TV star (well, ok, she was on one TV show, but that’s enough for a grandfa … godfa … unc … friend to consider her a TV star). And she has a heart of gold.
Happy birthday, Stella. Jamie and I love you.
UPDATE: It’s already January 23 here in the land down under, so Jamie and I are already celebrating your birthday.
ANOTHER UPDATE: Big day for Stella. Not only did she turn 15, but she and her fashion blog were featured on TeenVogue. Congrats, kid!
Happy Birthday Stella.
Sweet story. Beautiful picture of Stella. Her brilliance shines through.